Lost ancient underwater city revealed

A LOST city found underwater in the Mediterranean Sea is set to be revealed next week in a special television documentary.

News Corp Australia NetworkMay 2, 20136:59am

Underwater archaeologist looking at a large statue of the god Hapi, god of the flooding, discovered in front of the major dynastic temple dedicated to Khonsu-Herakles, part of the sunken city of Heracleion.Source:Supplied

A LOST city found underwater in the Mediterranean Sea is set to be revealed next week in a special television documentary.

Known as Heracleion to the ancient Greeks and Thonis to the ancient Egyptians, the city was a port for both civilisations. It was found 6.4 kilometres off the coast of Egypt and 9 metres below the Aboukir Bay in 2000.

French underwater archaeologist Dr Frank Goddio's 13-year excavation will be explored in Egypt's Sunken City - A Legend is Revealed, which will air on French and German TV network Channel Arte on May 11.

During the underwater excavation Dr Goddio found a giant red statue of the god Hapi, ancient ships and a monolithic chapel.

Experts at an Oxford University conference earlier this year said the ancient city may have sunk due to the heavy structures being built on clay. Others believe an extreme flood may have sent this city into the water.